No King's Day at Dutch Embassies

News item | 19-03-2020 | 03:43

Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok has decided to cancel King’s Day at all of the more than 150 Dutch embassies and other Dutch representations abroad. ‘Given the rapid spread of the Corona crisis around the world, it is only logical to cancel the usual festivities this year,’ Mr Blok said.

For many Dutch citizens abroad the annual celebration of King’s Day is a festive high point. It is the perfect opportunity to meet and catch up with each other. King’s Day is also a unique moment for Dutch representations to further intensify relations with local authorities and businesses. Depending on the country, the events are usually attended by a large number of people, varying from dozens to several hundred.

The minister made the decision to provide clarity to Dutch representations abroad and visitors who intended to celebrate King’s Day there. It also avoids incurring costs that will later prove to be unnecessary. Moreover, in a number of countries, events and manifestations are no longer permitted.

The cancellation of King’s Day abroad is in line with an earlier decision to cancel King’s Day in Maastricht in the Netherlands.